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Monday, 20 April 2015 11:26

The Museum of the City of New York Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the City’s Historic Landmarks Law

Savoy-Plaza Hotel, Fifth Avenue at 59th Street; built in 1927, McKim, Mead & White, architects. Shown flanked by the Plaza and Sherry-Netherland Hotels; photo by Samuel H. Gottscho, February 12, 1933. The prominence of the Savoy-Plaza in both the life and look of New York City made the announcement of its planned demolition another shock to New Yorkers; destroyed 1965. Savoy-Plaza Hotel, Fifth Avenue at 59th Street; built in 1927, McKim, Mead & White, architects. Shown flanked by the Plaza and Sherry-Netherland Hotels; photo by Samuel H. Gottscho, February 12, 1933. The prominence of the Savoy-Plaza in both the life and look of New York City made the announcement of its planned demolition another shock to New Yorkers; destroyed 1965. Courtesy, Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division (LC-G612-T01-19617) via InCollect

Many believe New York’s pioneering Landmarks Law, enacted in April 1965, was the key factor in the rebirth of New York in the final quarter of the 20th century (continue reading about New York's Landmarks Law on InCollect.com). It fostered pride in neighborhoods and resulted in neighborhood preservation in every borough, connecting and motivating residents and bringing new economic life to older communities. It ensured that huge swaths of the city remain a rich complex of new and old. It also ensured the creative re-use of countless buildings. At the same time, a new body of important architecture has emerged as architects, clients, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission devised innovative solutions for the renovation of landmark buildings and for new buildings in historic districts. The law spawned creativity in architects’ responses to building preservation that has enhanced the cityscape in all five boroughs.

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